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At least 1,603 records · Page 89

Asymptotic expansions in nonlinear rotordynamics

This paper is an examination of special nonlinearities of the Jeffcott equations in rotordynamics. The immediate application of this analysis is directed toward understanding the excessive vibrations recorded in the LOX pump of the SSME during hot-firing ground testing. Deadband, side force, and rubbing are three possible sources of inducing nonlinearity in the Jeffcott equations. The present analysis initially reduces these problems to the same mathematical description. A special frequency, named the nonlinear natural frequency, is defined and used to develop the solutions of the nonlinear Jeffcott equations as singular asymptotic expansions. This nonlinear natural frequency, which is the ratio of the cross-stiffness and the damping, plays a major role in determining response frequencies.

Day, William B.↗

Nonlinear behavior of urban flood peaks in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region

Urbanization, i.e., increasing urban development areas in a watershed, is well known as a major cause of increasing flood magnitudes. This study analyzes the observed flood peaks at 262 watersheds in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region with varying levels of urban development and free from reservoir impacts. Our analysis reveals an interesting, V-shaped nonlinear behavior: flood peaks first decrease and then increase with increasing percentage of urban development area at the watershed scale (PDAW), with the shift occurring at a PDAW threshold of around 10%. Regression analyses suggest that the V-shaped pattern primarily results from complex interactions among climate conditions (e.g., storm-event rainfall) and landscape properties (e.g., elevation, distance to the coast). A neural network model was then developed to capture such interactions, satisfactorily reproducing the V-shaped pattern with an R-squared value of 0.58, RMSE of 6.72 mm/day, and NSE of 0.55. These findings highlight the need to account for nonlinear dynamics in flood prediction and management in the coastal environment.

flood peaks↗

Wake coupling to full potential rotor analysis code

The wake information from a helicopter forward flight code is coupled with two transonic potential rotor codes. The induced velocities for the near-, mid-, and far-wake geometries are extracted from a nonlinear rigid wake of a standard performance and analysis code. These, together with the corresponding inflow angles, computation points, and azimuth angles, are then incorporated into the transonic potential codes. The coupled codes can then provide an improved prediction of rotor blade loading at transonic speeds.

Torres, Francisco J.↗

Analysis of turbulence in the orthonormal wavelet representation

The usefulness of the wavelet transform for the analysis of turbulent flow fields is explored by examining the wavelet transform properties of a decomposition of turbulent velocity fields into modes that exhibit the localization in a wavenumber and physical space. The calculations are performed on 3D fields from direct numerical simulations of isotropic flow and homogeneous shear flow, and from measurements in two laboratory wind-tunnel experimental velocity signals (boundary layer and wake behind a circular cylinder). The analysis confirmed that there is strong spatial intermittency in nonlinear quantities; their mean spectral behavior results from a delicate balance between large positive and negative excursions. The wavelet analysis is a way to quantify these observations in a standardized fashion by using 'flow-independent eddies' to decompose the velocity field.

Meneveau, Charles↗

Resonant Triad in Boundary-Layer Stability: Composite Solution and Comparison with Observations - Part 2

Here, numerical results are computed from an asymptotic near-resonance triad analysis. The analysis considers a resonant triad of instability waves consisting of a plane fundamental wave and a pair of symmetrical oblique subharmonic waves. The relevant scaling ensures that nonlinearity is confined to a distinct critical layer. The analysis is first used to form a composite solution that accounts for both the flow divergence and nonlinear effects. It is shown that the backreaction on the plane Tollmien Schlichting (TS) fundamental wave, although fully accounted for, is of little significance. The observed enhancement at the fundamental frequency disturbance is not in the plane TS wave, but is caused by nonlinearly generated waves at the fundamental frequency that result from nonlinear interactions in the critical layer. The saturation of the oblique waves is caused by their self-interaction. The nonlinear phase-locking phenomenon, the location of resonance with respect to the neutral stability curve, low frequency effects, detuning in the streamwise wave numbers, and nonlinear distortion of the mode shapes are discussed. Nonlinearity modifies the initially two dimensional Blasius profile into a fuller one with spanwise periodicity. The interactions at a wide range of unstable spanwise wave numbers are considered, and the existence of a preferred spanwise wave number is explained by means of the vorticity distribution in the critical layer. Besides presenting novel features of the phenomena and explaining the delicate mechanisms of the interactions, the results of the theory are in excellent agreement with experimental and numerical observations for all stages of the development and for various input parameters.

Mankbadi, Reda R.↗

Preliminary thermal/structural analysis of a carbon-carbon/refractory-metal heat-pipe-cooled wing leading edge

This study presents preliminary thermal/structural analyses of a carbon-carbon/refractory-metal heat-pipe-cooled wing leading edge concept designed for an air breathing single-stage-to-orbit hypersonic vehicle. The concept features chordwise (i.e., normal to the leading edge) and spanwise (i.e., parallel to the leading edge) refractory-metal heat pipes which are completely embedded within a carbon-carbon primary structure. Studies of the leading edge were performed using nonlinear thermal and linear structural three-dimensional finite element analyses. The concept was shown to be thermally feasible within the limits of the assumptions made in the analyses when internal radiative cooling is present during ascent, and a three-dimensional carbon-carbon architecture is used. In addition, internal radiative cooling was found not to be necessary during descent. The linear stress analysis indicated excessively large thermal stresses in the rafractory metal walls of the heat pipes even though a soft layer of carbon was included between the heat pipe and the carbon-carbon structure in an attempt to reduce the thermal stresses. A nonlinear structural analysis may be necessary to properly model the response of the refractory-metal heat pipes.

Glass, David E.↗

Effects of nonlinear damping on random response of beams to acoustic loading

Effects of both nonlinear damping and large-deflection are included in the theoretical analysis in an attempt to explain the experimental phenomena of aircraft panels excited at high sound pressure levels; that is the broadening of the strain response peak and the increase of the modal frequency. Two nonlinear damping models are considered in the analysis using a single-mode approach. Mean square maximum deflection, mean square maximum strain, and spectral density function of maximum strain for simply supported and clamped beams are obtained. It is demonstrated that nonlinear damping contributes significantly to the broadening of the response peak and to the mean square maximum deflection and strain.

Mei, C.↗

A non-linear mathematical model for dynamic analysis of spur gears including shaft and bearing dynamics

A six-degree-of-freedom nonlinear semi-definite model with time varying mesh stiffness has been developed for the dynamic analysis of spur gears. The model includes a spur gear pair, two shafts, two inertias representing load and prime mover, and bearings. As the shaft and bearing dynamics have also been considered in the model, the effect of lateral-torsional vibration coupling on the dynamics of gears can be studied. In the nonlinear model developed several factors such as time varying mesh stiffness and damping, separation of teeth, backlash, single- and double-sided impacts, various gear errors and profile modifications have been considered. The dynamic response to internal excitation has been calculated by using the 'static transmission error method' developed. The software prepared (DYTEM) employs the digital simulation technique for the solution, and is capable of calculating dynamic tooth and mesh forces, dynamic factors for pinion and gear, dynamic transmission error, dynamic bearing forces and torsions of shafts. Numerical examples are given in order to demonstrate the effect of shaft and bearing dynamics on gear dynamics.

Ozguven, H. Nevzat↗

Non-linear analysis of vibrations of irregular plates

A numerical perturbation method is used to investigate the forced vibrations of irregular plates. Nonlinear terms associated with the midplane stretching are retained in the analysis. The numerical part of the method involves the use of linear, finite element techniques to determine the free oscillation mode shapes and frequencies and to obtain the linear midplane stress resultants caused by the midplane stretching. Representing the solution as an expansion in terms of these linear mode shapes, these modes and the resultants are used to determine the equations governing the time-dependent coefficients of this expansion. These equations are solved by using the method of multiple scales. Specific solutions are given for the main-resonant vibrations of an elliptical plate in the presence of internal resonances. The results indicate that modes other than the driven mode can be drawn into the steady state response. Though the excitation is composed of a single harmonic, the response may not be periodic. Moreover, the particular types of responses that can occur are highly dependent on the mode being excited and are sensitive to small geometrical changes.

Lobitz, D. W.↗

Structure Computation of Quiet Spike[Trademark] Flight-Test Data During Envelope Expansion

System identification or mathematical modeling is used in the aerospace community for development of simulation models for robust control law design. These models are often described as linear time-invariant processes. Nevertheless, it is well known that the underlying process is often nonlinear. The reason for using a linear approach has been due to the lack of a proper set of tools for the identification of nonlinear systems. Over the past several decades, the controls and biomedical communities have made great advances in developing tools for the identification of nonlinear systems. These approaches are robust and readily applicable to aerospace systems. In this paper, we show the application of one such nonlinear system identification technique, structure detection, for the analysis of F-15B Quiet Spike(TradeMark) aeroservoelastic flight-test data. Structure detection is concerned with the selection of a subset of candidate terms that best describe the observed output. This is a necessary procedure to compute an efficient system description that may afford greater insight into the functionality of the system or a simpler controller design. Structure computation as a tool for black-box modeling may be of critical importance for the development of robust parsimonious models for the flight-test community. Moreover, this approach may lead to efficient strategies for rapid envelope expansion, which may save significant development time and costs. The objectives of this study are to demonstrate via analysis of F-15B Quiet Spike aeroservoelastic flight-test data for several flight conditions that 1) linear models are inefficient for modeling aeroservoelastic data, 2) nonlinear identification provides a parsimonious model description while providing a high percent fit for cross-validated data, and 3) the model structure and parameters vary as the flight condition is altered.

Kukreja, Sunil L.↗

Nonlinear theory of a hot-wire anemometer

A theoretical analysis is presented for the hot-wire anemometer to determine the differences in resistance characteristics as given by King's equation for an infinite wire length and those given by the additional considerations of (a) a finite length of wire with heat loss through its ends and (b) heat loss due to a nonlinear function of the temperature difference between the wire and the air.

HEAT TRANSMISSION - GASES & SOLIDS↗

F-15B QuietSpike(TradeMark) Aeroservoelastic Flight Test Data Analysis

System identification or mathematical modelling is utilised in the aerospace community for the development of simulation models for robust control law design. These models are often described as linear, time-invariant processes and assumed to be uniform throughout the flight envelope. Nevertheless, it is well known that the underlying process is inherently nonlinear. The reason for utilising a linear approach has been due to the lack of a proper set of tools for the identification of nonlinear systems. Over the past several decades the controls and biomedical communities have made great advances in developing tools for the identification of nonlinear systems. These approaches are robust and readily applicable to aerospace systems. In this paper, we show the application of one such nonlinear system identification technique, structure detection, for the analysis of F-15B QuietSpike(TradeMark) aeroservoelastic flight test data. Structure detection is concerned with the selection of a subset of candidate terms that best describe the observed output. This is a necessary procedure to compute an efficient system description which may afford greater insight into the functionality of the system or a simpler controller design. Structure computation as a tool for black-box modelling may be of critical importance for the development of robust, parsimonious models for the flight-test community. Moreover, this approach may lead to efficient strategies for rapid envelope expansion which may save significant development time and costs. The objectives of this study are to demonstrate via analysis of F-15B QuietSpike(TradeMark) aeroservoelastic flight test data for several flight conditions (Mach number) that (i) linear models are inefficient for modelling aeroservoelastic data, (ii) nonlinear identification provides a parsimonious model description whilst providing a high percent fit for cross-validated data and (iii) the model structure and parameters vary as the flight condition is altered.

Kukreja, Sunil L.↗

Sun-Earth Libration Point Trajectory Analysis

Due to the constant observation environment and low energy access of Sun-Earth libration point orbits, they have become extremely popular for many NASA science missions. The nonlinearity and instability of the orbits have made mission analysis more difficult as traditional approximations are no longer applicable. But the sensitivity of the orbits also provides greater flexibility in orbit design. Some typical mission trajectories are examined.

Sun-Earth Libration↗

Nonlinear Whirl Response of a High-Speed Seal Test Rotor With Marginal and Extended Squeeze-Film Dampers

Synchronous and nonsynchronous whirl response analysis of a double overhung, high-speed seal test rotor with ball bearings supported in 5.84- and 12.7-mm-long, un-centered squeeze-film oil dampers is presented. Test performance with the original damper of length 5.84 mm was marginal, with nonsynchronous whirling at the overhung seal test disk and high amplitude synchronous response above 32,000 rpm near the drive spline section occurring. A system critical speed analysis of the drive system and the high-speed seal test rotor indicated that the first two critical speeds are associated with the seal test rotor. Nonlinear synchronous unbalance and time transient whirl studies were conducted on the seal test rotor with the original and extended damper lengths. With the original damper design, the nonlinear synchronous response showed that unbalance could cause damper lockup at 33,000 rpm. Alford cross-coupling forces were also included at the overhung seal test disk for the whirl analysis. Sub-synchronous whirling at the seal test disk was observed in the nonlinear time transient analysis. With the extended damper length of 12.7 mm, the sub-synchronous motion was eliminated and the rotor unbalance response was acceptable to 45,000 rpm with moderate rotor unbalance. However, with high rotor unbalance, damper lockup could still occur at 33,000 rpm, even with the extended squeeze-film dampers. Therefore, the test rotor must be reasonably balanced in order for the un-centered dampers to be effective.

Proctor, Margaret P.↗

Displacement incrementation in non-linear structural analysis by the self-correcting method

The prediction of nonlinear structural behavior by the finite element method wherein buckling does not occur has received considerable attention and, with it, reasonable success has been achieved. However, the post-buckling problem has been less actively pursued probably because of the inherent numerical difficulties encountered. This note reviews very briefly the numerical methods currently being used for pre- and post-buckling analysis and presents a self-correcting approach based on load and displacement incrementation which is shown to be efficient, reliable, and easy to program. Numerical solutions are presented which demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.

Haisler, W. E.↗

Parallel projection—An improved return mapping algorithm for finite element modeling of shape memory alloys

Here, we present a novel finite element analysis of inelastic structures containing Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs). Phenomenological constitutive models for SMAs lead to material nonlinearities, that require substantial computational effort to resolve. Finite element analysis methods, which rely on Gauss quadrature integration schemes, must solve two sets of coupled differential equations: one at the global level and the other at the local, i.e. Gauss point level. In contrast to the conventional return mapping algorithm, which solves these two sets of coupled differential equations separately using a nested Newton procedure, we propose a scheme to solve the local and global differential equations simultaneously. In the process we also derive closed-form expressions used to update the internal/constitutive state variables, and unify the popular closest-point and cutting plane methods with our formulas. Numerical testing indicates that our method allows for larger thermomechanical loading steps and provides increased computational efficiency, over the standard return mapping algorithm.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Dimensionality Reduction of SDSS Spectra with Variational Autoencoders

High-resolution galaxy spectra contain much information about galactic physics, but the high dimensionality of these spectra makes it difficult to fully utilize the information they contain. We apply variational autoencoders (VAEs), a nonlinear dimensionality reduction technique, to a sample of spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). In contrast to principal component analysis (PCA), a widely used technique, VAEs can capture nonlinear relationships between latent parameters and the data. We find that a VAE can reconstruct the SDSS spectra well with only six latent parameters, outperforming PCA with the same number of components. Different galaxy classes are naturally separated in this latent space, without class labels having been given to the VAE. The VAE latent space is interpretable because the VAE can be used to make synthetic spectra at any point in latent space. For example, making synthetic spectra along tracks in latent space yields sequences of realistic spectra that interpolate between two different types of galaxies. Using the latent space to find outliers may yield interesting spectra: in our small sample, we immediately find unusual data artifacts and stars misclassified as galaxies. In this exploratory work, we show that VAEs create compact, interpretable latent spaces that capture nonlinear features of the data. While a VAE takes substantial time to train (≈1 day for 48,000 spectra), once trained, VAEs can enable the fast exploration of large astronomical data sets.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗